When buses replaced trams on the Northern Beaches, the community reacted
The introduction of the tram to the Northern Beaches had a huge impact on the local community. It allowed for the residential development of what was a subsistence farming area.
So when the decision was made in 1939 to end the tram services and replace them with buses, there was an emotional response. The final trip on each of the lines: Narrabeen, Harbord and The Spit, was both celebrated and mourned.
The last tram to Narrabeen was packed on both its outgoing and return trip, where it trailed a couple of kerosene tins behind. Girls on board took all of the advertising posters as souvenirs.
Crowds at Manly Wharf mobbed the last Spit and Harbord trams. Police riding on the tram’s footboards (also called running boards) ensured appropriate behaviour and safety.
When the last Spit tram returned to Manly, the tram workers gave it a fitting send-off. For its final journey to the North Manly Depot at about 1.30am on Sunday 1 October, 1939, they decorated it with black ribbons and wreaths, while a driver dressed up as a parson and an inspector as an undertaker.
It made that final journey packed with an estimated 300 people. The tram was led by two tap-drummers; a funeral party of 18 drivers and conductors on foot, holding candles fixed into beer bottles, with their caps sporting black crepe paper ribbons; and about 20 cars. The tram interior gradually darkened as the passengers took every light bulb on board as souvenirs.
The presence of three policemen helped to ensure that things did not get out of hand, but good humour prevailed and the passengers started singing Auld Lang Syne as the tram reached its final destination, whereupon the funeral party withdrew to a local hall for a memorial service and wake.
Richard Michell is the vice-president of the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society and the secretary of Friends of Dee Why Lagoon. Visit mwphs.org.au and fodyl.au
